From here on the Yang Style tai chi movements will become more complex.
Moving from the center, step slowly and smoothly step back with the left foot. Touch the heel down lightly approximately two fists width distance back from the right foot and further to the left. Turn the waist as you gradually shift most of the weight into the left foot. As you do so the foot is rolling down to face straight to what was your left (and will now be directly in front of you).
When enough weight has emptied from the right foot, lift the toe and pivot on the heel until it is at a 45 degree angle relative to the left. Settle the right foot. The weight should be balanced with roughly seventy percent of your weight in the left leg.
This position is known as a Bow Stance.
Your hands begin in the Hold the Ball position. As you step with the foot you are slowly rolling that ball. The left are is swinging forward and up till the palm faces the chest with the elbow sinking down. The right palm rolls to face out and then continues to sink until the palm faces the ground by the right hip with the fingers turned out to the side.
The hands the feet and the center all finish the movement as the same moment.
Yang Style Tai Chi Philosophy:
Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane – Focus on and imbue your movement with the qualities of speed and strength.
Martial Application:
Deflect a right handed strike to the outside with your right and trap the wrist. Step deeply behind the opponents rear leg with your left foot and drive your shoulder in underneath their armpit. Turn into the opponent uprooting them and throwing them down with you left arm.
Every Tai Chi movement is said to have between three and thirty applications. The application listed is one example of how to effectively apply the movement.
Alternate Translations:
- Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane (Ye Ma Fen Zong)
- Wild Horse Waves Its Mane [Zhang Fuxing]
- Parting a Wild Horse’s Mane (Zuo You Ye Ma Fen Zong) [Foen Tjoeng Lie]
- Wild Horse Parts Its Mane [Chong]
- Parting the Horse’s Mane [Metzger & Zhou]
- Wild Horse Shakes Its Mane
This information is meant for reference and to give an idea of the details involved in all Yang Style tai chi movements. In order to receive the benefits of an internal arts practice it is vital that you seek qualified instruction.
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